Lifting the Weight of Despair

Despair is a heavy weight on the human heart. Where is peace to be found in the midst of this oppression? When hope is sown in lasting peace, the heart's burden is lifted and life can begin anew.

"Out of the depths I cry to you, O Lord.
Lord, hear my voice!
Let your ears be attentive
to the voice of my supplications!
...I wait for the Lord, my soul waits,
and in His word I hope;" (Psalm 130.1-2,5)

A Cry For Hope

Despair leaves the soul rudderless,
Adrift where'er the currents flow;
Life is heavy and meaningless --
The night passes dreadfully slow.

Hope seems all but a distant dream;
Fainter than fate so surely sealed:
Could a soul fall from God's esteem?
How could it go so far afield?

A heartfelt cry can pierce heaven:
Drawing down grace torentially;
Sowing fresh hope like new leaven,
And lifting up the Lord's lowly.

A newborn hope gives fresh purpose,
The break of dawn yields light anew;
Eternal life holds sure promise --
The peace of Christ is morning dew.

Cry out for hope when all seems loss;
Christ's strength will help you bear your cross.

"But this I call to mind, and therefore I have hope:
The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases,
His mercies never come to an end;
they are new every morning;
great is Your faithfulness.
‘The Lord is my portion,’ says my soul,
‘therefore I will hope in Him.’"
(Lamentations 3.21-24)

Lord, may You be the new dawn of hope rising in my heart;
Fill me with the peace of your steadfast love
And be my strength in this time of need. Amen.